What To Carry In Your 4x4 and Equipping Your Vehicle

On "Easy" 4WD trips two-wheel drive is usually acceptable with high ground clearance. Four wheel drive (4WD) makes the trip safer and there will be less tire spinning.

"Easy Difficulty" 4WD TripsWhat you should carry and how your vehicle should be equipped when you leave the safety of the pavement to venture into the back country will depend on the difficulty of the trip and, of course, how long you intend to stay. Based on many years of experience I have categorized "What to Carry" and "Equipping Your Vehicle" by trail difficulty. There is no need to carry extra axles on a picnic to a frequently visited campground in your local Forest. This is not meant to be a complete list but rather a place for you to start when you develop your own list.

Vehicle Maintenance Check

Fan Belts

Hoses

Engine Oil

Transmission Fluid

Brake Fluid

Radiator Coolant

Seat Belts

Tire Air Pressure (Also check spare)

Tire Wear - Less than 50% worn

Basic 4WD Equipment

Basic Tool Box

First Aid Kit

Air Pressure Gauge

Fire Extinguisher

DC Air Compressor

Spare Tire

Tire Jack

Duct Tape

Zip Ties

Tow Strap

Shovel

Tire Plug Kit

Rags

Flashlight with extra batteries

40 Channel CB (Portable Type Okay)

Trash Bags

Additional Items To Consider Carrying On Easy 4WD Trips

Binoculars

Bottle Opener

Jacket

Hat

Pocket Knife

Snacks

Water

Extra Keys

Compass

Sunglasses and/or Goggles

Ice & Ice Chest or Cooler

Camera with Extra Batteries

Maps

Snow Tire Chains (Winter Time)

Tune Up Items (Spark Plugs, Distributor Cap, Distributor Rotor)

Basic Tool Box

3/8" Drive Socket Set 3/8" to 3/4"

Crescent Wrench - Small & Medium

Electrical Tape

Allen Wrenches

Pliers

Standard & Phillips Screwdrivers

Open End/Box End Wrenches 3/8" to 3/4"

"More Difficult" 4WD Trips

On "More Difficult" 4WD trips, low air pressure, and some experience driving off-road is best. For experienced ATV & motorcycle drivers only.
Additional Items To Carry On "More Difficult" Trails

40 Channel Walkie Talkie (As A Spare CB)

Hydraulic Jack or Hi-Lift Jack

Off-road Lighting

Tools

Extra Flashlight

Grease

Gloves

Hand Cleaner

Jumper Cables

Tire Lug Wrench

Full Size Shovel

WD-40 Spray

Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid

Motor Oil

Bungie Cords

Extra Fuel & Funnel

Tow Strap (With NO Metal Hooks On Either End)

Expanded Tool Box

Spare Parts For Trail Repairs (Especially anything that has broken twice)

Electrical Wire

Lug Nuts

Assorted Nuts & Bolts

Valve Stems

Fuel Line Hose

Radiator Hose

Front Hub or Flange

Spark Plugs

Coil/Electronic Ignition

Tire Repair Kit

Fan Belt (Water Pump Belt)

Electric Fuel Pump

Fuses

U-Joints (Drive shafts & axles)

Radiator Stop Leak

Larger Special Application Nuts

Extra Spark Plug Wires (2 of the longest)

Vehicle Upgrades

Tires: Upgrade to 31"-33"

Adjust Air Pressure For Off-Road Use

Small Suspension Lift

Front Tow Hooks or Tow Points

Rear Tow Hooks or Tow Points

Skid Plates for Transmission & Transfer Case

Rear Posi-traction Recommended

"Most Difficult" 4WD Trips

Four wheel drive vehicles with a rear locker is required. In addition a locker or limited slip in the front differential make the drive safer. Low air pressure, roll bar, off-road experience and a friend in a similarly equipped vehicle are very important. Never go wheeling alone! Also let someone you know that isn't going wheeling with you where you are going and when you're expected back just in case something may happen to both of your vehicles where there is no cell phone reception or any way of seeking help. ATV's and motorcycles, the "Most Difficult" routes are for experienced ATV & motorcycle drivers only.

Optional Hard Parts You May Consider Carrying For "Most Difficult" Trails:

Spare Axle Shafts

Alternator

Transfer Case Parts

Spindle Bearings

Drive Shafts (Both Front & Rear)

Spider Gears

Ring & Pinion

Starter & Starter Solenoid

Tie Rod & Tie Rod Ends

Expanded Tool Box

Deep Sockets 3/8"-3/4"

Loctite

Large Crescent Wrench

Breaker Bar

Spark Plug Wrench

Magnet

Cotter Pins (Various Sizes)

Files (Flat & Round)

Large Channel Locks

Silicone RTV Sealant

Pipe Wrenches (Various Sizes)

Valve Stem Remover

Volt Meter or Test Light

Larger Sockets

Battery Terminal Cleaner (Wire Type)

Electrical Connectors (Crimp Type)

1/4" Drive Set with Smaller Socket Sizes

Metric Sockets (3/8" Drive)

1/2" Drive Ratchet with Larger Socket Sizes

Tube Wrenches (Various Sizes)

Welding Rod & Hood

Winch Kit (Tree Strap, Hi-Lift Jack, Snatch Block, Pickle Fork, Shackle, Gloves

Extended Maintenance Checklist

U-Joints

Brakes

Loose Bolts or Nuts

Shocks

Grease All Greasable Points

Axle/Differential Gear Oil

Transfer Case Fluid

Additional Vehicle Upgrades for "Most Difficult" Trails:

Tire Upgrade to 35"-40"

Lift Kit With Possible Body Trimming

Rocker Guards

CB Radio

Full Skid Plate Protection

Rear Locker Required

Front Locker or Limited Slip Recommended

8,000lb Winch or Stronger

Multiple Fire Extinguishers (One Accessible while driver is strapped in and a second or third that is accessible from the outside from a spotter.

Larger First Aid Kit